lavar los platos
/labaɾ los platos/from spelling rules
The English phrase "clean the dishes" is lavar los platos in Spanish.
lavar los platos is the standard idiomatic way to say "to wash the dishes" in general and can be used interchangeably with the English concept of "to do the dishes".
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase lavar los platos is literally "to wash the plates".
Which one should you use?
While platos specifically means plates, lavar los platos is the standard idiomatic way to say "to wash the dishes" in general. You can also use lavar la vajilla to refer more broadly to the entire set of dishes, cutlery and glassware.
How do you pronounce it?
/labaɾ los platos/
Did you know?
- The word lavar shares a common ancestor with the English word 'lavatory', as both stem from the Latin 'lavāre' meaning 'to wash'.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, the phrase lavar los platos is closely tied to the custom of the 'sobremesa', the long conversation held at the table after eating before anyone begins cleaning.
- While lavar los platos is the standard term, in some Latin American countries you may hear fregar los platos. The verb fregar specifically emphasizes scrubbing with a brush or scouring pad.
Examples in context
- Por favor, lave los platos después de la comida.Please, clean the dishes after the meal.
- Sí, con gusto los lavo.Yes, I will gladly clean them.
- Hijo, lava los platos antes de salir esta noche.Son, clean the dishes before going out tonight.
- Sí, mamá, los lavo enseguida.Yes, mom, I will clean them immediately.
- Tengo que lavar los platos después de cenar.I have to clean the dishes after dinner.
- ¿Puedes lavar los platos, por favor?Can you clean the dishes, please?
- Ella prefiere lavar los platos mientras escucha música.She prefers to clean the dishes while listening to music.
Example conversation
A couple is finishing a meal in their kitchen.
- JavierLa cena estuvo muy rica, Elena.Dinner was delicious, Elena.
- ElenaGracias, Javier. ¿Me ayudas a lavar los platos?Thanks, Javier. Will you help me clean the dishes?
- JavierClaro, yo los lavo ahora mismo.Sure, I will clean them right now.
- ElenaEres muy amable, gracias.You are very kind, thanks.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries lavar, los, CC BY-SA 4.0.
